Windows and doors are not structural members of a building, and these openings leave a load above the window or doorway that needs to be supported. Lintels are important to help transfer the load above the opening to the side walls of the opening.

Lintels are commonly made of steel or timber, however, may also be made of other materials:

• Stone
• Brick
• Reinforced Concrete
• Reinforced Brick

Like the indicators of failure, the reason for their occurrence can vary based on the material. Most often, it is poor installation (or inadequate protection during installation) or poor maintenance.

• Steel lintel can thin and weaken from pitting. Pitting is when rust forms on the surface of the steel and it eats away at the metal.
• Moisture intrusion or poor ventilation can cause timber lintels to rot.
• Poor material choice for lintel based on environment, structure’s intended use, and material of the rest of the structure.
• Structural movements can lead to disruption of the lintel’s support.
• Improper installation can cause water intrusion, mortar cracking, or material deterioration.

Lintel inspections are commonly conducted by county or city employees, who are code inspectors. Builders can opt for a third party to conduct construction phase inspections, which may be better for the builder on a tight timeline, as local code inspectors are often busy and come out on their schedule, not on the builder’s schedule.